Go Wild Dec 2021/Feb 2022

D L I W

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DEC 2021/FEB 2022 EDITION

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

DISABILITY AWARENESS

In this issue...

World Wetlands Day 2022

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CRM Loyalty Solution Competition Winner

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Well-deserved, high praise for three Karoo National Park rangers

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A world-class system of sustainable National Parks reconnecting and inspiring society

CONTENTS

VISION A world-class system of sustainable National Parks reconnecting and inspiring society.

MISSION To develop, expand, manage and promote a system of sustainable national parks that represents biodiversity and heritage assets, through innovation and best practice for the just and equitable benefit of current and future generations.

VALUES • Demonstrate leadership • Embrace, and be guided by, environmental ethics • Promote transformation both within and outside the organisation • Strive for scientific and service excellence • Act with professionalism • Adopt and encourage initiative and innovation by all • Treat all stakeholders with equality and justice • Exercise discipline • Act with honesty and integrity • Strive for transparency and open communication at all times

TALKING POINT

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FRONTIER NEWS

18

SANParks TODAY

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Getting to know: Evans Mkansi

18

World Wetlands Day 2022

4

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Aligning Risk with Strategy and Performance

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Well-deserved high praise for three Karoo National Park rangers KRUGER NEWS

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Migration of the leave process from the ECM portal to Web Self-Service (WSS)

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2021 KNP HIV/AIDS commemoration

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CRM/Loyalty Project

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KNP campaigns against gender-based violence

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The Tourism Monitor Programme: An extraordinary transformation story

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NORTHERN NEWS

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Disabilities Awareness

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Klipspringer: Africa’s dancing antelope

How to make Ethical decisions page

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Wildseries Golden Gate Challenge 2021 wraps up

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ARID NEWS

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/HUMAN RESOURCES NEWS/EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

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Aukoeribis: The place of great noise 13 Good deeds for Kgalagadi

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Riemvasmaak Tourism Empowerment programme

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16 days, and beyond, of activism for NO VIOLENCE against women and children

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CAPE NEWS

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Vaccination in the workplace

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Bontebok National Park upskill students from the Wilderness Foundation

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New appointments

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FAREWELL

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Table Mountain and Working on Fire celebrate 10-year partnership

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GO WILD TEAM NEWS TEAM/CONTRIBUTORS: Babalwa Dlangamandla,

Christine du Plessis, Fayroush Ludick, Genevieve Maasdorp, Karen Engelbrecht, Kayley Carolissen, Khensile Moriri , Nokuthula Mathabathe, Sinoyolo Nama, Sipho Mkhwanazi and Tumi Mphahlele

Head of Communications Editor in Chief Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli

Editor Katlego Morulane

Sub-editor Phokela Lebea

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK SANParks was established in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2003. In terms of this Act, SANParks’ mandate is to conserve; protect; control; and manage national parks and other defined protected areas and their biological diversity (biodiversity). The organisation is also subject to the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999.

COPYRIGHT Go Wild is a bi-monthly internal magazine published by the Communications Division of South African National Parks (SANParks). All material published is copyrighted and cannot be used without the written permission of the Editor in Chief.

Copy intended for publication and comments must reach the editor’s desk before noon on the 5th of every month. If not, the articles will not be published. All articles are published at the editorial team’s discretion.

Please forward your suggestion and comments to: internalcomms@sanparks.org | Tel 012 426 5401

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TALKING POINT

Talking Point The mighty Orange River thundering down at Augrabies Falls NP

As the financial year-end is approaching, I am pleased to announce that the Annual Performance Plan for 2022/2023 has been finalised and will soon be available on the intranet. Staff are urged to familiarise themselves with their specific divisional outcome goals.

Read more about World Wetlands Day on page 4, which is celebrated each year on 2 February to raise awareness about wetlands. Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests.

Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli General Manager: Media, Events and Stakeholder Relations

The year 2022 is in full swing colleagues, and it’s exciting to be part of an organisation which is buzzing with activity and change.

Also read about the success of the Tourism Monitor’s programme on page 8, an initiative of the National Department of Tourism as part of their Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and implemented through Biodiversity and Social Projects (BSP) Unit with support from Learning and Development within our National Parks.

As a leading conservation agency, transformation is vital to keep the organisation afloat as well as sailing towards its mission and vision, and that is why transformation is one of our important values, as we seek to promote it in and outside of the organisation.

3 November – 3 December marked Disability Rights Awareness Month, and 3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Read more about the organisation’s Disability Awareness agenda on page 10.

We hope that you are embracing the migration to the Web self-service (WSS), an easy-to-use and time-saving solution to access your leave balances payslips and much more. Read more on the new solution initiated by Human Capital Management on page 6.

On behalf of the leadership of SANParks, I would like to applaud Riaan Nel, Gregory Fish and Gavin Lottering, Rangers at Karoo National Park, for their selfless efforts in bringing the Gardner family to safety after their vehicle was washed 30 metres into a river, due to a flash flood. Outstanding work colleagues! Well done!

The CRM Loyalty solution project is still underway.

The project team has finalised most of the user training and is conducting final tests on the solution. Colleagues, this tool will optimise the experience that our customers have with us as the tool will change how we manage and nurture relationships with our customers, a very important stakeholder in our value chain. Look out for more communication in the coming weeks as the project nears it’s go-live date.

Colleagues, as we reconnect with and inspire society whilst remaining sustainable, let us embrace the year ahead with vigour and enthusiasm.

Indeed SANParks is a transforming organisation.

Make sure that where ever you are, in whichever corner you are in, that you are part of this exciting transformation journey.

Grab a coffee, stay safe and Go Wild!

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SANParks TODAY

World Wetlands Day 2022

By Phokela Lebea

World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2 February to raise awareness about wetlands. This day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971. The theme for 2022 World Wetlands Day is “Wetlands Action for People and Nature” highlighting the significance of actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for humans and planetary health.

Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. Yet wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies and more.

Despite their significance to human life, wetlands are threatened nationally and globally. The 2018 National Biodiversity Assessment found that at least 79% of South Africa’s wetland ecosystems are threatened. Of these, 48% of wetland ecosystem types are critically endangered, 12% are endangered, 5% are vulnerable and 35% are least threatened, making wetlands the most threatened ecosystems of all in South Africa. Over 70% of South Africa’s wetland ecosystem types have no protection and only 11% are well-protected.

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. There are now 141 contracting parties to the convention. South Africa National Parks (SANParks) is committed to conserving and restoring all wetlands under their jurisdiction, as well as considering rehabilitation of wetlands outside the parks that impact on any national park.

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Wilderness Lakes

As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, South Africa remains committed to working towards the wise use of all wetlands through effective land use planning, the development of appropriate policies and legislation, directed management actions and public education to protect these natural purifiers of water resources. Of the 28 Ramsar rated wetlands in South Africa, there are currently two situated in SANParks, namely Langebaan in the Western Cape that received its status in 1988 and which consists of a large shallow marine lagoon, including islands, reed beds, sand flats, saltmarshes and dwarf shrub land, and the Wilderness Lakes in the Southern Cape that received its status in 1991 that consists of a series of three permanent, interconnected coastal lakes linked to the Indian Ocean. SANParks is hoping that the Maybeni Pan area in the far north of Kruger may also become a Ramsar site soon.

It is important that we raise national and global awareness about wetlands in order to reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore them.

SANParks TODAY

Aligning Risk with Strategy and Performance

By Nicolene Hoogenboezem

Organisational strategy is the conscious blend of strategic goals that support the mission and vision of an organisation. When an organisational strategy is aligned, the key outcomes (or strategic goals) of the organisation are cohesive and integrated with the key operations of the organisation and the tactics required to execute the strategy. In other words, all parts of the organisation’s attributes and systems (the sum of internal and external functions of an organisation’s environment) are moving in the same well-defined direction.

As the organisation executes its strategy it creates and increases its exposures to uncertainty. Therefore, objectives and strategies provide the context for understanding the risks the organisation is exposed to and might desire to take.

Risk management plays a pivotal role in ensuring the organisation remains on the course charted by its strategic intent, since the basis for risk assessments is confined in the context and objective-setting process. Once the strategic objectives have been

identified, it will be easier to identify risks that could possibly threaten the achievement of organisational objectives.

Without strategies we would probably have no idea how to get to where we want to be. With risk management, we take the future into account, make plans to prepare for the inevitable and control the controllable.

Source:http://www.mondialcons.com/Newsletter/ Corporate%20Strategy%20Alignment%20 and%20Risk%20Management_Craig%20Smith. pdf What is your attitude towards risk?

Since risk management is aligned to our objectives, our attitude towards risk affects the achievement of the organisation’s objectives. We need to provide full support and act accordingly towards risk management activities in order to get positive outcomes.

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SANParks TODAY

Migration of the leave process from the ECM portal to Web Self-Service (WSS)

By Tumi Mphahlele

Human Capital Management (HCM) and Enterprise Applications Development (EAD) found a need to migrate the HR leave process from ECM to WSS. Web self-service (WSS) is an easy-to-use and time-saving web-based solution that is used

by SANParks to manage certain HCM functions.

Advantages of using WSS within SANParks: • It improves effectiveness and efficiency for managing any HCM-related activities.

• Employees can download their salary advice at any given time using the WSS platform.

• HCM officials will be more efficient since they will no longer focus on basic HR administration such as checking leave balances or printing salary advices and IRP5.

• Eliminates wasting time for fixing mistakes caused by manual intervention.

• Avoids integration between various systems since everything has been packaged in one system.

• Improves accuracy for tracking employee’s information such as leave balances.

• Ability to draw leave reports.

Have you tried to download or print your payslip from the WSS platform?

It’s much easier to retrieve your payslip from the WSS portal. Gone are the days where you had to send various emails to the HCM official to request your salary advice or the IRP5. Simply follow these steps: 1. Open the following WSS link: https://hcmess. sanparks.org/webselfservice#/.

2. Select “Payslip”.

3. You will be required to input your “Active Directory” credentials (NB: Username and Password that you use on daily basis to access the SANParks network).

4. The history of your payslips will then be displayed.

Select the “Payslip Month” that you require before clicking the “Download or Print” tab.

The implementation of SigningHub Digital Signature within SANParks The SigningHub Digital Signature Solution focuses specifically on electronically or digitally signing Continued on Page 11...

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CRM/Loyalty Solution- Competition

We have a Winner!

RACE TO THE END

Congratulations Jessica Hayes Regional Ecologist from Garden Route for completing the maze first.

Your mystery hamper is on its way!

Winner Announcement

SANParks TODAY

The Tourism Monitor Programme: An extraordinary transformation story

By Katlego Morulane

Camdeboo National Park Tourism Monitors

It is a pleasure to announce that 233 Tourism Monitors employed by SANParks in various parks will be nearing the completion of their studies (Learnerships and National Qualifications), offered through SANParks Biodiversity and Social Projects Unit with support from the Learning and Development unit.

“This is an initiative of the National Department of Tourism as part of their Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) within National Parks”, explained Ms Antoinet Van Wyk, General Manager: Infrastructure and Special Projects.

According to van Wyk, Tourism Monitors are a valuable support for customer service, visitor safety, biodiversity conservation and security and have provided support in all these fields.

She said the programme has created 439 jobs since 2019 to date from communities neighbouring the National Parks; mainly Previously Disadvantaged

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Individuals, and of the total jobs created, 247 participants are females (56%) and 351 are youth (80%).

In line with our value of Transformation, applicants with Grade 12 were provided an employment opportunity, equipping them with first-hand tourism and conservation knowledge, and exposing them to work experience which they otherwise would not have had, said van Wyk. “The programme also offered participants the opportunity to further their learning, ultimately presenting them with future employment opportunities in or outside the organisation.”

Van Wyk concluded by saying “This is a proud moment for our team and we extend heartfelt congratulations to all the Tourism Monitors. We would like to acknowledge and thank all the participants for their dedication and commitment”.

SANParks TODAY

Herewith a list of the learning programmes which the applicants participated in: Programme

Park

Number of learners

Further Education Training and Certificate: Nature Conservation Further Education Training and Certificate: Tourist Guiding Further Education Training and Certificate: Tourist Guiding National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship Further Education Training and Certificate: New Venture Creation National Certificate: Project Management National Certificate: Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices Further Education Training and Certificate: Tourist Guiding National Certificate: Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices National Certificate: Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Further Education Training and Certificate: Nature Conservation Further Education Training and Certificate: Tourist Guiding National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship National Certificate: Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices National Certificate: Supply Chain Management

Augrabies Falls National Park

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Table Mountain National Park (Central and Tokai) Garden Route National Park (Knysna) Agulhas National Park and Bontebok National Park Kruger National Park

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Kruger National Park Kruger National Park

15 16

Kruger National Park

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Golden Gate Highlands National Park West Coast National Park

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Kruger National Park

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Golden Gate Highlands National Park Table Mountain National Park (Marine and South) Garden Route National Park (Wilderness) Table Mountain National Park (North) Kruger National Park

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conserving nature since 1926

10 15 15

10

16 16 15 12

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SANParks TODAY

Disabilities Awareness

By Katlego Morulane

Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth or occur during a person’s lifetime. In 2013, Cabinet approved 3 November to 3 December as Disability Rights Awareness Month, and 3 December as the National Day of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, 3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and is also commemorated as National Disability Rights Awareness Day. Disability is one of the seven focus areas identified by the South African Human Rights Commission to promote, protect and monitor the realisation of Human Rights thereof in South Africa.

I sat with Mr Rodney Lucas, SANParks’ Transformation Manager based at Groenkloof National Park and learnt about his noteworthy contribution in elevating the Disability Awareness agenda in the organisation.

How did you get involved in Disability awareness and what role do you play in raising awareness about it?

By virtue of my role as transformation manager of SANParks, it is one of my duties and my passion to ensure that all employees, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, able bodied or living with a disability, to mention but a few, have the same opportunity as everyone else in the organisation to participate fully and freely in all and any opportunity/ ies that are available to staff within SANParks.

What is the state of Disability Awareness in our country and in the organisation?

South African Human Rights Commission notes a very critical fact that persons with disabilities currently account for 5.1% of the population. These

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Mr Rodney Lucas: Transformation Manager

people continue to experience a lack of access to adequate health and basic education and have no prospect of securing employment. The sector is also particularly vulnerable to the compounded effects of discrimination and abuse.

This is attributed to the entrenched negative beliefs and attitudes about the causes of disability; about the capabilities of persons with disabilities; about the need to protect persons with disabilities through segregated programmes; and persons with disabilities are mostly unable to take up or access affirmative action opportunities or access public services provided for the general population.

In SANParks however, the status of disability and

SANParks TODAY

awareness around disability has been addressed and continues to be one of our focus areas. In line with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, SANParks regards people with disabilities as designated employees with regard to transformation and employment equity. Our effort to accelerate the recruitment of people with disabilities is a continuing challenge. Our target is to have 2% of our workforce comprising employees living with disabilities. As at November 2021, 1.1% of our employees are people living with disabilities.

What programmes or projects have you implemented for Disability Awareness?

To further support our commitment to our employees and our customers with disabilities, we have implemented or will be implementing the following initiatives that are aimed at improving access and providing a supportive environment: • Establishing of a ‘People living with Disability’ Forum, • Developing of a Disability Policy,

• Conducting frequent disability awareness sessions, • Developing a disability etiquette guideline, • Installing an elevator at Head Office, • Implementing universal access throughout the parks i.e. mirrors in bathrooms, grabrails, ramps to enter and exit accommodation units, etc.

• Providing reasonable accommodation, • Implementing a disability portal where documents and comments can be posted, • Implementing a disability helpline in partnership with Independent Counselling and Advisory Services, • Providing adaptable vehicles in KNP. How can staff be involved in your projects?

Communicating effectively and sharing information around disability will result in informed and caring staff and staff buy-in. Through platforms such as the Employment Equity and Skills Development Forum (EESDF) and the Disability Forum, we could spread knowledge and ideas to staff.

...continued from Page 6 official documents. This digital signature solution will be accessed by managers and their PAs who have been enrolled in this SigningHub solution. By using SigningHub Digital Signature Solution documents can be signed off within minutes since we are able to sign anywhere using any device.

SigningHub uses high security features whereby the signer will receive a One Time Pin (OTP) on their mobile phones when they digitally sign documents.

Did you know that you can do Bulk Signing from SigningHub? SigningHub Bulk Signing is a powerful feature that enables users to digitally sign multiple documents.

This option will save substantial time in opening each document and signing them individually.

Colleagues are also reminded about the ECM document routing process that should be used in all regions and parks for routing documents such as submissions and memoranda. We have also shared the SigningHub self-enrollment guideline on the intranet and we urge all managers to finalise their enrolment process since we have limited licenses. Colleagues are required to contact Tumi at Tumi.Mphahlele@sanparks.org for any queries about the abovementioned digital solutions.

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How to make ethical decisions What is meant by “ethics”?

We are all encouraged to make ethical choices and apply ethics in all areas. But what does ethics mean, and why do ethics matter for SANParks?

According to Rossouw & Van Vuuren (2017:5) one is ethical when one does not only consider what is good for oneself, but also consider whether what is ‘good’ for the ‘self’ is also good for ‘others’. Ethics can be defined as a set of moral or ethical principles, which discriminate between right and wrong in human and non-human interaction, including decision-making, within SANParks and between SANParks and its stakeholders.

In short, we can think of ethics as the principles that guide our behaviour behavior toward making the best choices that contribute to the common good of all.

Making ethical decisions Ethics in a workplace work place is just as important as ethics in personal life. When faced with an ethical decision, for example, “can I accept a gift from a service provider?” employees can make use of the ethics decision-making model as per below: (The Ethics Institute ethical decision-making model, The Ethics Institute, 2020)

Alternatively, employees can use the mnemonic PLUS to guide decision making (Ethics & Compliance Initiative) 







P = Policies Is it consistent with the organisations’ policies, procedures and guidelines?

L= Legal Is it acceptable under the applicable laws and regulations?

U = Universal Does it conform to the universal principles/values that the organisation has adopted?

S= Self Does it satisfy my personal definition of right, good and fair?

Ethics Helpline!

If you are still not sure whether a decision is ethical, SANParks has created a dedicated Ethics Helpline that provides a safe channel of communications for employees to seek guidance or clarity on general ethical matters.

The Ethics Helpline aims to promote a healthy ethical culture within the organisation. It is therefore educational and not for the purposes of reporting ethical violations.

It is managed internally and available for SANParks employees, including contract workers. All information is handled with the strictest confidentiality.

Contact details EthicsHelpline@sanparks.org

NB!NB! There arearenonosilly NB! There sillyquestions questions –all questions questionsareare welcome! all welcome!

ARID NEWS

Aukoeribis: The place of great noise

By Genevieve Maasdorp

The breathtaking sight of Augrabies Falls NP

True to its Khoi name of Aukoeribis, meaning the place of great noise, the Augrabies Falls National Park kicked off 2022 on a high note with water, water and more water!

The park has been suffering from a devastating drought with the annual average rainfall of 125mm decreasing every year over the past 10 years, with the only exception in 2012/13. This resulted in only 41mm being recorded for 2020. The average flow at the park is usually between 40 to 50m3 on a normal day when no increase of water is expected or has arrived.

But early in 2022, rain fell upstream from the Augrabies park and all the small dry tributaries became roaring rivers, all of them dispensing their gushing muddy waters into the Orange River. The muddy turbulent water came over the rocks with profound noise and turned the waterfall into a spectacle. The rain continued into the Free State

resulting in three dams, Bloemhof, Van der Kloof and Gariep, in the catchment area of the Orange River, to become full or nearly full. Water was subsequently released from the Bloemhof Dam, which arrived in the park a week later, creating another beautiful spectacle. More water was released from the near full Van der Kloof Dam and the Gariep Dam soon also started overflowing. The flow of the Orange River rose quickly to 3 150m3 per second. To have this amount of water thundering over the waterfall at this time of the year was really a sight to behold. Between 1 to 21 January 2021 we had a total of 9 897 visitors and this increased in 2022 during the same period to a whopping total of 22 282 visitors.

Although there is a slight flush of green in the veld, it will probably take a couple of years of good rain before the veld will return to normal. However, in the meantime, we are grateful for every visitor entering the park to take in this wonderful water spectacle.

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ARID NEWS

Good deeds for Kgalagadi

By Genevieve Maasdorp

Kgalagadi team receiving wish list items from Honorary Rangers

The Honorary Rangers gifted Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park this month with much needed items that was on the park’s wish list and through that did just one of their numerous good deeds for the organisation. Among the gifted items were solar pumps, wheelie bins, a compressor for the Nossob 4x4 Eco Route and toolkits for the Wilderness Camps, just to name a few.

The Park Manager, Steven Smith, received these good deeds with a grateful heart and expressed the following words: “These gifts mean the world to us and will definitely assist the organisation in ensuring that we give the best possible experience to our guests. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”

The Honorary Rangers are a big part of South African National Parks and are always willing to raise funds to purchase items we need to relieve a

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little bit of the financial strain as well as to ensure that all the parks are managed in an efficient and professional manner.

The total worth of the gifts was R280 000 and was gifted from funds of the Loffiesdraai Bushcamp and the Nossob Eco Route fundraising projects. Each year a wish list is given to the Honorary Rangers that includes items the park desperately needs, but do not have the funding to buy themselves. These wish lists are then approved through a committee consisting of SANParks personnel and the senior management of the Honorary Rangers. This year was the first time in recorded history that all the items listed on the wish list were approved and given in one go to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The SANParks Honorary Rangers is a non-compulsory organisation that assists the organisation each year to reach its conservation and community targets. During 2020 food parcels to the amount of R60 000 were given to previously disadvantaged communities surrounding Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park together with PPE equipment.

ARID NEWS

Riemvasmaak Tourism Empowerment programme

By Christine du Plessis

Head of divisions explaining their roles and responsibilities during the Riemvasmaak Tourism empowerment programme

After being postponed in June 2021 due to the rise in the COVID-19 emergency level, the Riemvasmaak Tourism Empowerment programme was finally successfully held in December 2021.

Two members of the Riemvasmaak Community Development Trust, in the portfolios of Tourism and Finance, and three tourism staff members from the Riemvasmaak hot spring attended the programme, held in the park. On the first day they were given an overview of park operations, what it entails to run a successful tourism product and how all the divisions work together as a team. This session led to many questions and engaging discussions. To conclude the day’s activities, the participants were shown how tourism activities such as game drives and guided walks are conducted. They were taken on a game drive to Ararat and Oranjekom viewpoints. In the evening they were taken on a guided walk to see the illuminated falls and were introduced to stargazing. They thoroughly enjoyed these activities and were astounded that they could

be enjoying such exciting activities in their own local area.

The second day started with a detailed session on the importance of a budget, what a budget entails and how to manage it. The importance of asset management was also explained. The afternoon session for the day involved practical sessions on the intricacies of chalet servicing and how to clean a chalet if there was a COVID-19 case, how the laundry functions, linen management, Reception functions, and finally terrain and maintenance functions.

The two-day programme was concluded with a question and feedback session. The programme proved to be very successful as the participants explained that they had learnt so much and were very appreciative that the park staff willingly shared their experience, expertise and knowledge of the tourism business. They also expressed the hope that more of these sessions would be held in future.

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CAPE NEWS

Bontebok National Park upskills students from the Wilderness Foundation

By Kayley Carolissen

The Wilderness Foundation partnered with Bontebok National Park and welcomed two students, Greg Jacobs and Mthuthuzeli Yekani, into the Bontebok National Park family. The two adapted quickly and weren’t shy to show their knowledge. They did their three-month learnership in Nature Conservation with us and showed good work ethic and people skills. You could definitely see their passion! The working experience they got was mostly from SET Officer, Khanyisa Tyolo, who was their mentor.

They worked closely with the community, stakeholder engagement and outreach programmes to schools for Environmental Education and Awareness. They also assisted the Tourism Department where they worked closely with the Duty Manager, Thandiwe Bozwana, hut attendance and general workers. They did gate duties such as the COVID-19 screening protocol and welcoming guests at the entrance gate, and helped with the cleaning of chalets at Lang Elsie Rest Camp.

They were mostly in the Conservation Department with the guidance of all the Field Rangers, Environmental Monitors as well as our Section Ranger, Bradley Koopman.

The Section Ranger was very eager to teach them more about what is happening in his department. They learned more about fence maintenance, foot patrols, game counts (day and night), alien plant removal as well as the observation post and fire breaks. The two of them also received information about our fauna and flora and the animals that we have

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Bontebok National Park Upskills Students from the Wilderness Foundation

in addition to what it takes to keep them safe.

They were very excited to learn and did some bicycle fixing and guidance with clients.

It was very sad to say goodbye to them on 30 November 2021, but with bad news comes good news. They are staying with us for another two months to complete the rest of their learnership. Good luck to the two of them. They are well appreciated. Hard work really pays off!

CAPE NEWS

Table Mountain and Working on Fire celebrate 10-year partnership

By Karen Engelbrecht

TMNP – SANParks and Working on Fire Celebrates 10-year partnership

SANParks together with Working on Fire (WoF) held an appreciation event on Wednesday, 15 December 2021 at the Tokai New Office Building celebrating the anniversary of the High Altitude Teams (HAT) Project of Implementation through Working on Fire.

TMNP Frans van Rooyen says, “We’d like to thank the HAT teams for their service to the park for the past 10 years. We recognise that the project implemented

by Working on Fire is one of several in the Cape Floral World Heritage site along with Cape Nature. The work undertaken by the teams makes an important contribution to securing biodiversity and water resources in protected areas.“

to go unnoticed by park users. Public recognition is however slowly being gained, e.g. clearing last year above Orange Kloof. Over the past 10 years key areas where the teams have been active include Devils Peak, Newlands, Cecilia, Constantiaberg, and Chapman’s Peak.”

Over the years the teams tackled more than 3 500 ha in Table Mountain, and constantly deliver around 5 500 Person days per year.

“In order to tackle these areas, the teams need to undergo rigorous training courses and have strict health and safety protocols in place, and need to be fit and motivated. We acknowledge the work done by the project staff to make this all happen. Our thanks also go to the HAT Area Manager for overseeing the planning and coordination with the park over the last few years. Thank you for your dedication and motivation to the work and we hope that we can keep building on the current working relationship going into the future.”

Van Rooyen continues to say, “We appreciate that most of the work is undertaken in the most difficultto-reach areas of the park and at times may seem

WoF HAT gave a certificate of appreciation to SANParks and handed it over to Frans van Rooyen, Park Manager of Table Mountain National Park.

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FRONTIER NEWS

Getting to Know Evans Mkansi

By Fayroush Ludick

“I see my job as the head of Conservation to ensure that the park is properly secure. I look forward to, with my team, closing all the loopholes to ensure the park is safe, not only from a wildlife point of view, but for the personnel and all its visitors as well.” These are the words of Addo Elephant National Park’s new Conservation Manager, Evans Mkansi, who took office on 1 October 2021.

The 45 year-old father of three says he looks forward to growing in this position at Addo. “The time for me to be going up and down is gone. I need to settle down and wrap up my career at SANParks because this is home. I still have a number of years to learn new things and deliver,” he says.

Evans truly does consider SANParks to be home, as this is where he started his career; at Kruger National Park with his in-service training in 2000.

He spent a good 14 years rising through the ranks based in various sections of the park over the years, culminating in the role of Regional Ranger based at Satara in 2014.

Thereafter a number of roles in both the public and private sectors followed, both in South Africa and beyond in Mozambique, until his arrival at Addo.

Evans’ wife and three children, aged eleven, six and two are currently still in Gauteng. He says they will hopefully join him when an opportunity arises for his wife to apply for a job in the park, as she too previously worked for SANParks.

Speaking of his new role, Evans says there are three major differences to what he’s been exposed to in his career to date. “For the first time I have to manage both the terrestrial and marine environments, which is both challenging and exciting for me.” He says he cannot wait to learn

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Evans Mkansi, Conservation Manager - Addo Elephant National Park

as much as he can about the marine side of the park and be on top of all its intricacies.

“Secondly, if you come from the savannah like I do to Addo and all its different biomes, it’s like a whole new world. This park has a totally different feel from what I’ve been exposed to and it excites me,” says Evans.

Finally, he says the challenges are different.

“Working in Kruger and Mozambique, one’s biggest challenge there is poaching. Here the teams concentrate on real conservation work.”

“I was exposed for so long to poaching that I didn’t get to balance my conservation duties, because the law enforcement took me far away over the expense Continued on Page 20...

FRONTIER NEWS

Well-deserved high praise for three Karoo National Park rangers A full-unedited letter of appreciation

Karoo National Park’s Senior Section Ranger, Riaan Nel (centre), along with his Field Rangers Gregory Fish (left) and Gavin Lottering (right) were instrumental in getting the Gardner’s to safety.

I am writing this email to acknowledge and thank Riaan Nel and his two extraordinary rangers, Gregory Fish and Gavin Lottering.

On Monday, 22 November, while crossing the Spookbos riverbed on our way to the Embizweni Cottage in the Karoo National Park, a flash flood suddenly swept our vehicle about 30 meters down river, where it lodged on a sand bank. My wife and I were able to escape from the vehicle to the far bank as the car’s interior filled with water.

Unable to cross back over the river due to the strong current, we decided to walk to Embizweni Cottage, having been told that it was the only place with cellphone reception. What followed was a five hour, twenty-five kilometre trek through the park – knowing that we were constantly at risk from attack by lions and black rhino. Finally, at 18:30, we arrived safely at the cottage, exhausted beyond comprehension, having carried whatever

provisions and belongings that we could – not knowing if the car would be washed downstream.

Fortunately, we had the keys to the cottage so we were able to go inside.

We immediately phoned reception – more than once – but there was no answer. Then we tried the main gate, but the calls didn’t go through. We thank God that there was an emergency number for the Head Ranger, Riaan Nel, in the info book in the lounge.

From the start, Riaan was helpful, cool-headed and supportive. He advised us that he would immediately send a vehicle with a couple of rangers to fetch us. He also told us that they would bring hot food and cold drinks. Additionally, he gave us the choice of keeping our Embizweni accommodation, or replacing it with one of the chalets in the main camp, close to Reception. We

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FRONTIER NEWS

chose the chalet, and then he kindly made the change of reservation. Then he reassuringly told us to relax, take a shower and await the rangers.

We were in the most remote accommodation in the park, so it took two hours for the vehicle to arrive. But when it did, we were greeted by two of the most friendly and helpful people we’ve ever met – Gregory Fish and Gavin Lottering. We were much too exhausted even to carry our belongings down the front steps to the vehicle, so the rangers did it for us. They also advised us to take a couple of blankets from the cottage, to keep us warm during the ride.

Those two hours or so in the bakkie with Gavin and Gregory will remain in our memories. My wife sat up front with Gavin, who negotiated his 4x4 vehicle like an expert through the washed out road. I sat in the back with Gregory, whose kindness and conversation during the journey helped me recover from the shock of the day’s events.

When we arrived at the chalet, Gregory and Gavin unloaded all our stuff and gave us the delicious lamb potjie and Cokes that Riaan had arranged.

Then Greg explained that everything regarding

the recovery of our vehicle was being handled by Riaan, and that we needn’t worry about anything.

All we should concern ourselves with was getting a good night’s sleep.

The next morning, Riaan phoned and arranged for a local towing company from Beaufort West to send a flatbed truck to the park. Greg and Gavin drove me to the riverbed, where my car was embedded, although the surface was dry. Due to the difficult conditions, the weight of the towing vehicle and the distance from the road to where the car was stuck in the riverbed, it took most of the day to pull out the car. In fact, Riaan even organised a tractor to come help – and it was through that thoughtfulness that we were finally able to pull out the vehicle and load it onto the flatbed.

We have never received such service from anyone, anywhere. And we will never forget Riaan, Gregory or Gavin. They rescued us, and helped us get through the most traumatic experience of our lives. To us, they are heroes. SANParks can be extremely proud to have these three men as representatives of the Karoo National Park!

Sincerely, Craig and Marthie Gardner

...continued from Page 18 of all the other duties which are present in conservation. So now at Addo I’m in the thick of things which I’ve been neglecting all the years. Not because I wanted to, but because the circumstances forced me to pay attention to those instead of other conservation efforts,” explains Evans.

Asked what he sees his role in shaping Addo going into the future is, he says he aims to pull his staff together to make sure they work as a team to deliver on their mandate. “I find myself very lucky to have landed in a team of very good Section rangers. They are a group of hard workers who know their story, which in turn makes it easy for me to get my job done.”

His message to them is clear: “I admire all of you. You each have a special strength or skill and you’re all truly dedicated to the cause. Please just keep doing what you are doing. You have my 100% support and I will be with you all the way. Finally, let’s all keep ourselves and one another safe.”

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KRUGER NEWS

2021 KNP HIV/AIDS commemoration

By Khensile Moriri

Ms Shikwambana (BSP) delivering the purpose of the day

Self-screening for attendees

Every year in December the KNP, just like all communities and organisations, commemorates World AIDS Day. This year the Wellness Office in partnership with Biodiversity Social Projects (BSP) hosted the World AIDS Day on Friday, 3 December 2021 at the Skukuza Soccer Field.

The theme for this year’s commemoration was “End inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics”.

The success of this event depends on everybody’s contribution and participation in supporting the brothers and sisters who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The event also provided staff members with important information which can be shared with their families, friends, and colleagues as well as in their communities. The initiative also aims to ensure that the rights of people living with HIV/ AIDS are not violated, and that discrimination on the basis of HIV/AIDS is reduced, and ultimately eliminated.

Ms Shikwambana from BSP highlighted the purpose of the day, “We are gathered today to commemorate those who are infected and affected

by HIV/AIDS: to gain more information of how to

break the stigma around AIDS globally. We’re also here to remember those who were positive and died due to this condition. The lack of information can lead to negativity as a result of the spread of HIV/AIDS. We will remain restless in our mission to ensure that we turn the stigma around HIV/AIDS into notable achievements.”

A self-testing station was erected for interested employees to screen for HIV/AIDS. The BSP team also graced attendees with a role play to demonstrate and highlight challenges, beliefs, and to inform staff of HIV/AIDS and break the chains and stigma associated with the condition.

“HIV/AIDS is a lifetime condition that an individual needs to accept. Therefore, it is important to direct our focus on it. We do have medication to treat HIV, however it is also important to ensure that you protect yourself or abstain. Let us love each other by protecting one another from constraining conditions and curb the spread. It starts now, today and here,” concluded the Wellness Manager of KNP, Mr Sherlock Shabangu.

conserving nature since 1926

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KRUGER NEWS

KNP campaigns against gender-based violence on 16 Days of Activism

By Khensile Moriri

The Acting General Manager of Skukuza Safari Lodge, Nhlanhla Themba extends gratitude to employees for honoring the invite

As the world continues to grapple with gender-based violence, this year also marks a significant 22 years since South Africa embarked on the 16 Days of Activism campaign for no violence against women and children. The Kruger National Park (KNP) Wellness Office together with Biodiversity and Social Projects (BSP) also joined forces on Monday, 6 December 2021, to challenge violence against women and children, raising awareness on gender inequality and also call an end against gender-based violence (GBV).

Giving the purpose of the day Mr Sherlock Shabangu, the Wellness Manager of KNP outlined the importance of the movement, “By law, as human beings, we should campaign against GBV not only in the months of November and December but in our everyday lives. Women and children are being abused daily. Statistics display that 72% of women are being abused. The worst thing, where GBV transpires, more especially in the workplace, its women against women. It might be that some people in attendance are here for a social event

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but. I know that there are some of you who relate and are here to gain more knowledge on how to overcome the situation and put an end to it. There are so many ways of getting help on issues related to abuse. We have invited guest speakers to come and inform, educate and enlighten you on the means of breaking the silence of GBV. Those who are in need of urgent intervention should contact Persons Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) on 076 694 5911.”

The BSP team demonstrated the different types of abuse which occurs in different households through a mini role-play. “The nature of South African Police Services (SAPS) is to assist members of the public to fight and report crime. Domestic violence “abuse” is also categorised as crime.

When the complainant decides to report the abuse itself, they may do so at any nearest police station where the abuser resides, where the victim resides or where the abuse took place. The SAPS must assist the complainant to complete the forms and Continued on Page 24...

NORTHERN NEWS

Klipspringer: Africa’s dancing antelope

By Sipho Mkhwanazi

If you have ever been to Mapungubwe National Park or even Marakele, you will attest that there is a friendly little fella whom you’re bound to bump into as you make your way around the park. The klipspringer is one of the cutest little animals that loves playing around in the rocky areas of our national parks. These monogamous creatures enjoy prancing across the African savanna together for their entire lifespan.

When hearing the name klipspringer you may wonder what kind of African animal you can come face-to-face with on an African safari. The tip-toe klipspringer is commonly springing around on Africa’s most vertical rock faces. Here are a few facts about one of the continent’s most elegant antelope.

A rare sighting of a klipspringer on it’s own - they are always in pairs

Oreotragus oreotragus is the klipspringer’s scientific name, but who’s going to repeat the same word twice? Instead, the Afrikaans named this gregarious antelope klipspringer, meaning ‘rock jumper’ in Dutch, and you’ll soon understand why.

The klipspringer’s incredible agility Klipspringers inhabit rocky terrain in mountain ranges with sparse vegetation. This allows the seemingly defenceless klipspringer to escape their predators easily. It can also be spotted on a South Africa safari, in areas such as Zoutpansberg and Lebombo mountain ranges near Kruger.

Klipspringer also inhabit South Africa’s Western Cape, coastal Angola and Namibia. Even though klipspringer live on steep mountainous terrains where not many predators will venture, klipspringers only live as long as domestic cats, up to around 15 years.

Suitable ballet boots for what is considered the African Balerina

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NORTHERN NEWS

The African ballerina The African rock leaper has immense agility in the rocky habitats of east and south Africa. You could say the klipspringer is like a ballerina gracefully jumping around on its tiptoes, minus the pink tutu of course! A klipspringer’s hooves are cylindrical, meaning they have parallel sides which form the shape of a cylinder. The hooves are long and downward-pointing with blunt rounded tips, providing adaptation and swiftness of movement in its rocky environment, while enhancing its grip.

High jump animal champions Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it’s the world’s highest show-jumper! And the award goes to the champion klipspringer! Despite their dainty size of just 1 meter tall, they can jump as high as eight metres in the air.

Klipspringers can easily leap over the world’s tallest mammal on Earth today, the great giraffe, which stands between five and six meters tall. With no comparison at all, the highest human high jump on record is only 2.4 meters.

Life-long loving klipspringers Till death do us part, let a lifetime of bonding begin in wild Africa. Unlike most other animals, klipspringers will choose just one mate to go through life with.

How loyal and sweet is that? Klipspringers don’t venture far from one another, staying within a close proximity of up to approximately five meters at all times. Talk about zero personal space! There’s no ‘me-time’ for this antelope.

Remember to grab your shot if you happen to bump into klipspringer in the park. They love the camera!

...continued from Page 22 affidavits before the matter is referred to the Clerk of Court for further handling. The SAPS also should establish whether a criminal case must be opened against the abuser. The SAPS may arrest, as per Section 3 of the Act, the accused at the scene of the incident if they are of a reasonable view that an act of domestic violence has been committed. Therefore, I call upon everyone to take a stand against GBV and let us work towards a safer environment for our future generation,” emphasised Ms Motsheya of the SAPS in Skukuza.

“Families South Africa (FAMSA) is there to assist with post trauma of abuse. We offer counselling and therapeutic services for both individual and family. FAMSA also offers pre-marital counselling to prepare you psychologically before marriage and to get to know the person you are about to wed. As individuals we do not behave the same due to how we were raised and how we differ in genders. Abuse usually derives from home, how a parent behaves, discipline and interact with their children. We must break the stigma at home, let’s start with our own family members, inform and educate them about abuse and how it may affect the next person. Let us commit in campaigning against GBV. As FAMSA, we discourage toxic relationships and pride ourselves with strengthening and mending relationships,” concluded Ms Nonhlanhla, FAMSA Social Worker.

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NORTHERN NEWS

Wildseries Golden Gate Challenge 2021 wraps up

By Sipho Mkhwanazi

Runners are said to tackle the course over a three-day period, running across the Golden Gate Highlands terrain

The Golden Gate 2021 Challenge took place from 21 to 24 October at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, home of the dinosaurs, Cape and Bearded Vulture and various antelope. This year was a celebration of the tenth anniversary of this unique event. The three day staged event explores some of the country’s most beautiful mountain landscape; traversing remote areas of the park which are rarely open to the public.

This year’s event also featured a two day stage run called the Kgodumodumo run which was a 10km and 17km run on the Saturday and Sunday respectively. Kgodumodumo refers to an old folktale of the infamous Kgodumodumo Monster.

Local legend has it that Kgodumodumo ate all the Basotho people, their cows and goats except for a single pregnant woman who managed to hide.

She gave birth to a mighty warrior who slayed

Kgodumodumo and freed the Basotho people.

Wildtrust CEO, Dr Roelie Kloppers joined in the celebrations and ran the Kgodumodumo race. “It was such a privilege to be able to be part of the Golden Gate 10th anniversary event. Seeing so many participants in the park again brought back some feeling of ‘normality’ returning. Over and above just being able to get into the mountains, our organisation’s objective is to raise funds for our conservation partners and agencies like SANParks. Having such a good turn-out means we will be able to assist the conservation work at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park,” he concluded.

A shorter 10km run named the Dino Run was added this year, and became a very popular distance for those who were not ready to tackle the full three day challenge. The event paid a

conserving nature since 1926

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NORTHERN NEWS

special commemoration to a departed SANParks Ranger, Ntate Joseph Mabote by naming the 17km run after him as a special tribute, marking his contribution to this event since its inception.

Many of the participants loved and respected him, so this was a fitting tribute to a man that had given so much to the event while he was still alive.

The weather seemed to challenge the runners more than the actual routes. On day one the runners experienced extreme weather changes and saw all four seasons in one day, but they persevered.

Eric Ngubane was the overall winner in a time of 07:19:25 and was followed by Sipho Mofokeng, the 2020 defending champion in a time of 07:45:59. Matthew Aiken wrapped up the podium in third place with a time of 08:24:21. Eric Ngubane, who is a seasoned trail and road runner as well as super fan of the Wildseries, touched our hearts and showed the true spirit of Ubuntu as he awarded his Golden Gate award to Travis Warwick-Oliver. Travis was involved in a motorbike accident eight months ago which resulted in a leg amputation. “Travis should be an inspiration to all of us because his disability didn’t stop him from taking part in the three day challenge. If Travis can cover 73km on one leg, then more people should take part. Travis is no ordinary mountain runner, he is the winner in my eyes,” Eric commented.

The ladies race was spectacular as Apiwe Gaga, a podium finisher in 2017, came first with a time of 10:43:28. She was shortly followed by Nonhlakanipho Tau with a time of 10:57:23.

Nonhla, as she is fondly known, was fresh from the Karkloof 100 miler just over a month ago.

In third place, Chantal Pennicott closed off the podium with a respectable time of 11:32:37.

SANParks Golden Gate Highlands National Park Manager Paddy Gordon concluded after the event,

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A determined runner takes on the mighty Extreme Challenge

A snap of this year’s Wildseries Extreme Challenge trophy, inspired by the Godumodumo Dinosaur Centre

“SANParks are really happy to host this event for the tenth year in a row and to see that runners were so eager to return. The park makes available some of its most outstanding landscapes that make the event challenging and memorable, and we work closely with event organisers to ensure that all environmental impacts are mitigated.”

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/HUMAN RESOURCES NEWS/ EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

16 days, and beyond, of activism for NO VIOLENCE against women and children

By Phokela Lebea

Groenkloof National Park staff members at the main boardroom listening to Mr Javu Baloyi from the Commission for Gender Equality

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November and runs until 10 December to challenge violence against women and children. In support of this civil society initiative, SANParks hosted a hybrid session on Tuesday, 30 November 2021 under the theme “Moving from Awareness to Accountability on GBV”. The session was hosted by SANParks Employee Wellness together with the Strategy and Transformation Unit. Mr Javu Baloyi from the Commission for Gender Equality was the main speaker.

On behalf of EXCO, the Managing Executive for Conservation Services, Dr Luthando Dziba welcomed everyone and thanked Mr Baloyi for honouring SANParks staff with an address on the very important subject of GBV. Dr Dziba

emphasised the significance of building a culture of zero tolerance towards gender-based Violence in SANParks. “We need to create an environment whereby it is easy for women to report any acts of violence or discrimination in the organisation.

We need to uproot GBV by ensuring that we report it, and as managers at various levels in the organisation we must take it seriously and take the necessary steps to root it out.”

“EXCO and the Board have approved a Transformation Integration Strategy. One of its aims is to deal with Gender Equality and issues that relate to GBV,” said Dr Dziba. He further encouraged staff members to review the strategy and give feedback and find better ways that the organisation can strengthen their response to GBV. Dr Dziba concluded his remarks by indicating that SANParks must look beyond the 16 days of

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/HUMAN RESOURCES NEWS/ EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

activism against GBV of women and children and ensure that it is a constant, conscious reminder to act responsibly and have programmes in place to address it.

In his address, Mr Baloyi provided background on the state of GBV in the country and highlighted the work that is done by the Commission for Gender Equality. “Gender-Based Violence manifests itself in so many ways. It is a pandemic of the highest proportion. It’s a societal problem and needs to be addressed by all of us. South Africa is listed number one in the world when it comes to Gender-Based Violence. We are the rape capital of the world. Every day, every minute and hour, someone is raped and abused in South Africa. We need to take ownership and accountability as a country, as Gender Commission and as SANParks.”

Issues about sexual harassment, bullying, and intimidation in the workplace were also addressed.

Mr Baloyi gave a number of examples of cases the Commission for Gender Equality is dealing with.

Gender-Based Violence is costly to the employer, to the survivor and the perpetrator, said Mr Baloyi.

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A question and answer session was facilitated whereby staff members asked Mr Baloyi and Human Capital Management questions relating to Gender-Based Violence and Gender Equality in the workplace. Sipho Mkhwanazi, Regional Communication and Marketing Manager for the Northern Region was the programme director.

A moment of silence in honour of the survivors of Gender-Based Violence was held. Moreover, a moment of reflection to the role each of us play in the fight against Gender-Based Violence was also held.

Ms Makgomo Umlaw, Head of Human Capital Management closed the session by appreciating the speaker, Mr Javu Baloyi for taking time to come and address SANParks staff. She thanked the Wellness team for organising such an important session and all staff members for attending and engaging. Ms Umlaw reiterated that stopping Gender-Based Violence is the responsibility of everyone. There is no excuse for women and children abuse. Let’s stand together against Gender-Based Violence.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/HUMAN RESOURCES NEWS/ EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

Vaccination in the workplace

By Sherlock Shabangu

Mr Sherlock Shabangu, giving the purpose of the day

Many organisations employ hundreds of employees who are required to be stationed in close proximity to each other in order to execute their work.

Where the nature of the work is such that it cannot be performed remotely, and physical attendance at the workplace is an essential component of the job, keeping the workplace safe and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases becomes critical.

The right to freedom and security of a person is enshrined in section 12 of the Constitution. More specifically, section 12(2) provides that every person has the right to bodily and psychological integrity, to security in and control over their body. No person shall be denied the protection that section 12 offers. A plain reading of section 12(2) makes it evident that every person has the right to make decisions on health and medical interventions and treatment, which undoubtedly includes the acceptance or rejection of the vaccine. However, constitutional rights are never one dimensional

and rights may be limited when there are justifiable grounds for doing so.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 lays the basis for health and safety in any workplace. According to the Act employers have an obligation to take reasonable measures to ensure that the working environment is safe and without risk to the health of its employees. It is against this background that the latest Consolidated Direction provides a framework for mandatory vaccination in the workplace.

Although it may be true that by vaccinating enough people, herd immunity is created, there is no guarantee or certainty about the effectiveness of the vaccine, its long term effects on people, and whether social solidarity trumps individual or patient autonomy. It is still possible to contract COVID-19 after having received the vaccine.

On 11 June 2021, the employment and labour minister gazetted a directive on COVID-19

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/HUMAN RESOURCES NEWS/ EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

vaccination in certain workplaces, in the new consolidated direction on occupational health and safety measures. It stipulates that employers are required to come up with reasonable resolutions so that all parties are accommodated should employees refuse COVID-19 vaccinations on medical and Constitutional grounds. The principle taken by the directive is that employers and employees should treat each other with mutual respect. The directive, in section 3(1)(a) (ii), stipulates that employers must undertake a risk assessment to determine whether or not they intend to ‘make vaccination mandatory’. This should be in accordance with sections 8 and 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 (OHSA), and should take into account the operational requirements of the workplace.

Employers are obliged to identify those employees who need to be vaccinated by ‘virtue of the risk of transmission through their work or their risk for severe COVID-19 disease or death due to their age or comorbidities’. Medical grounds for an employee not agreeing to take a vaccine as stated in annexure 3 of the directive are ‘an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or a known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the COVID-19 vaccines’.

What if employees refuse to take the vaccine?

If an employee refuses to go for the vaccine, the employer must enter into consultations and educate the employees based on the reasons for refusing. The employer can also refer the employee for further medical evaluation, for example, where the employee has a medical reason for not taking the vaccine.

The employer must take steps to reasonably accommodate the employee in a position that does not require the employee to be vaccinated.

This can include adjustments to the job or working environment in order to allow the employee who

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Ms Lindokuhle, Social Worker from FAMSA giving the keynote address

refuses to be vaccinated to remain in employment, for example, to consider the following: • • • •

Working from home or workplace Working in isolation (at the workplace) Adjustment of an employee’s duties Adjustment of an employee’s working hours or locations, or make other arrangements to ensure the health and safety of the employee.

In SANParks there are no directives on mandatory vaccinations, however employees are urged to disclose when they have been vaccinated on their own private capacity to the Occupational Health and Safety division: Itumeleng.Moagi@sanparks.org

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/HUMAN RESOURCES NEWS/ EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

New Appointments Name

Position

Park

Date

Jaysery Vries

Tourism Monitor

Augrabies Falls National Park

1 November 2021

Ntsekiseng Masolane

Administration Officer

Namaqua National Park

1 November 2021

Levern Joseph

Tourism Monitor

Namaqua National Park

1 November 2021

Waidy Mentoor

Tourism Monitor

Namaqua National Park

1 November 2021

Nazobia Brandt

Tourism Monitor

Namaqua National Park

1 November 2021

Arshicke Links

Tourism Monitor

Namaqua National Park

1 November 2021

Neville Links

Technical Assistant

|Ai|Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

1 November 2021

Paula Engelsman

Room Attendant

Augrabies Falls National Park

1 December 2021

Oscar Osberg

Section Ranger

Namaqua National Park

1 January 2022

Natasha Isaaks

Tourism Monitor

Augrabies Falls National Park

17 January 2022

Prudence Skey

Tourism Monitor

Augrabies Falls National Park

17 January 2022

Desmonia De Wee

Tourism Monitor

Augrabies Falls National Park

17 January 2022

Anelisa Gaca

Tourism Monitor

Table Mountain National Park

1 November 2021

Yonelisa Sesethu Lirula

Tourism Monitor

Table Mountain National Park

1 November 2021

Njabulo Gumede

Tourism Monitor

Table Mountain National Park

1 November 2021

Nomaphelo Mpeta

Tourism Monitor

Table Mountain National Park

1 November 2021

Andisiwe Jali

Tourism Monitor

Table Mountain National Park

1 November 2021

Zanele Tshabalala

Admin Officer

West Coast National Park

1 November 2021

Brenda Mbem

Regional Human Capital Manager

Table Mountain National Park

1 November 2021

Arid Region

Cape Region

Promotions and Transfers Evans Mkansi

Conservation Manager

Addo Elephant National Park

1 October 2021

Matimba Maluleke

Socio Economic Transformation Officer (SET)

Camdeboo National Park

1 November 2021

Billy Moumakoe

Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) Security Manager

Addo Elephant National Park

1 December 2021

Quinzle Koopman

Technical Officer

Mountain Zebra National Park

3 January 2022

Mountain Zebra National Park

2 January 2022

Addo Elephant National Park

1 December 2021

Groenkloof National Park

1 October 2021

Onele Ndum-Ndum

Conservation Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme student

Promotions Nolindelo Manyaba

Hut Attendant

Northern Region Hanlie Schoeman

General Manager: Enterprise Risk Management

Gugulethu Khuzwayo

Intern: Human Capital Management

Groenkloof National Park

1 October 2021

Tandiwe Cimela

Senior Manager: Corporate Insurance

Groenkloof National Park

1 November 2021

Lutendo Makhadi

Chief Audit Executive

Groenkloof National Park

1 November 2021

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Farewell

We say farewell to our valued colleagues. It’s sad to see you go, but it’s good to see that you’re all ready for the next phase of your life. A happy goodbye to you. Never stop learning.

Rhofiwa Singo, Acting Chief Financial Officer Having joined SANParks during the pandemic, I did not know what was expected of me because the normal had just become abnormal. It started with the cost curtailment measures, moves to concessionaires failing to pay their dues, projecting cash flows on a daily basis just to ensure that there was enough money pay salaries. I am grateful to have been part of the team despite the volatile environment. As we close the year, I wish SANParks all the very best in the audit process and trust that everyone will give the finance team all the support they need.

Phenyo Marumo, Senior Manager: Marketing “When I joined SANParks I loved that fact that we bring joy to people through our tourism offering, wildlife through conservation efforts and communities through our Socio-Economic transformation.

SANParks employees can be proud of the being part of such a noteworthy cause. Thank you for the journey”.

Sipho Mkhwanazi, Regional Communications Manager, Northern Region Working for the South African National Parks has clearly been an incredible honour and a pleasure. As Regional Communications Manager for the Northern Region, the organisation and the region welcomed me with open arms and were always eager to teach me new tricks. I have definitely become a better professional and cannot wait to take the lesson learnt into the world. I am a firm believer of the SANParks mandate and will continue to fly the SANParks flag high wherever I go. I cannot wait to do more work with SANParks in a different capacity.

Thank you for the opportunity and memories.

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